| |
 |
|
|
| |
The following
points cover the minimum precautions that should be taken
to avoid getting hurt or lost or, in the event of an accident,
minimise further harm.
Planning and Preparation
Footwear and Clothing
Food and Drink
Equipment
Party Size
Emergency Procedures
Mobile Phones
Dangers - all can be
avoided
Dangers - require constant
monitoring
|
|
|
| |
Planning
and Preparation
• Plan before setting out
• Consider the equipment, experience, capabilities and
enthusiasm of the party members.
• Check weather forecast and local conditions. Night
encroaches early in the winter and the further north you go!
• Learn first aid.
• Many accidents occur towards the latter part of the
day when both your energy levels and those of your phone battery
will be run down. Remember to charge your battery before setting
out!
|
|
|
| |
Footwear
and Clothing
• Wear suitable boots with a treaded
sole which provides ankle support.
• Wear colourful, warm, windproof and waterproof clothing.
• Take spare warm clothing and hat and gloves; it is
always colder at the top.
|
|
|
| |
Food
and Drink
• Eat well before you start, cereals
& carbohydrates release energy slowly and constantly throughout
the day.
• In addition to the usual sandwiches, take energy food
such as chocolate, dried fruit, or glucose which restore energy
quickly.
• Warm drinks do wonders for moral.
• Streams on hills are drinkable if fast-running over
stony beds.
|
|
|
| |
Equipment
• A map, compass (and the ability
to use them), and at least one reliable watch in the party
should always be carried.
• If you carry a GPS, know how to read your current
position. It will save time in an emergency when speaking
to the Mountain Rescue Team.
• Carry a whistle, torch, spare batteries and bulbs
in all conditions; but in winter - an ice-axe, crampons and
survival bag are essential.
• Climbers and mountain bikers are all urged to wear
helmets at all times.
|
|
|
| |
Party
Size
• If in groups, make sure party leaders
are experienced; do not let party become separated.
• Take special care of the youngest and weakest in dangerous
places.
• If you prefer to go alone, be aware of the additional
risk. Let people know your route before you start, stick to
it as far as you can and notify them of any changes. |
|
|
| |
Emergency
Procedures
• Turn back if conditions are against
you; even if this upsets your plan.
• If you have a serious problem, get a message to the
Police (999) for help as soon as possible and keep injured/exhausted
people safe and warm until help reaches you.
• If you cannot contact anyone, use six whistle blasts
or torch flashes, repeated at minute intervals, to signal
an emergency. Report changes of route or timetable to someone
who is expecting you.
|
|
|
| |
Mobile
Phones
• Do not rely on a mobile phone to
get you out of trouble. Signal coverage in mountainous areas
is very unreliable.
|
|
|
| |
Dangers
- all can be avoided
• Precipices
• Slopes of ice or steep snow
• Very steep grass slopes, especially if frozen or wet
• Unstable boulders
• Gullies, gorges and stream beds
• Streams in spate
• Snow cornices on ridges or gully tops
• Exceeding your experience and abilities
• Loss of concentration, especially toward the end of
a long day
|
|
|
| |
Dangers
- require constant monitoring
• Weather changes - these can be sudden
and more extreme than forecast
• Ice on path (carry an ice-axe and crampons - and know
how to use them)
• Excessive cold or heat (dress appropriately)
• Incipient exhaustion (know the signs; rest and keep
warm)
• Accident or illness (don't panic - if you send for
help, make sure you stay put and the rescuers know exactly
where to come)
• Passage of Time - especially true when under pressure
- allow extra time in winter conditions
|
|
|
| |
**This information has been
adapted from that provided by The MRC.**
|
|
 |
